Despite the fact that Bethenny Frankel and Carole Radziwill have been spotted filming for the upcoming season of the Real Housewives of New York City , some delays may be ahead as a few of the cast members are still negotiating contracts. In fact, according to Page Six , Ramona Singer, LuAnn de Lesseps , and Sonja Morgan have yet to sign their contracts for Season 8. Why are the ladies holding out while filming is underway?
Apparently, the cast members are demanding more money after learning that Frankel had negotiated a contract worth around the $1 million mark. Although it seems reasonable that Singer, de Lesseps, and Morgan should be paid close to the same as Frankel, an inside source revealed that things might turn out worse for the ladies if they continue to hold out.
The source stated that their plans to not sign a new contract straight away “could work against them” because Frankel is ready with a “long list of friends” that would be willing to step in and be a part of the show.
“Bethenny is close with Andy Cohen,” the source stated, indicating that Frankel’s influence could harm the ladies chance for more money. “She has a long list of friends she can just find to replace them.”
Despite the idea that they could be replaced, the three ladies are remaining firm in holding out for more money.
“LuAnn, Sonja and Ramona have banded together. They have not come to terms… The negotiations are always down to the last minute, but now the show’s started filming … The others are not filming because they have not signed their contracts.”
Meanwhile, although money is clearly the main source of contention with the ladies unwilling to sign new contracts, things are not great between the cast members and Bethenny Frankel. According to Radar Online , despite the fact that the show enjoyed an increase in ratings and attention after announcing Frankel’s return, many of the Housewives were not pleased with her appearance on the show.
At the same time, not only is Frankel making the most on the show, but she has also enjoyed a lot of success with her SkinnyGirl Cocktail brand. This is something that is not likely to go unnoticed by the ladies on the reality show, and is probably just another reason why they are demanding more money.
While Frankel has signed a contract close to $1 million, the inside source added that “the other women aren’t even close” to her salary. Whether or not the ladies continue to hold out is yet to be seen, especially if the show threatens to replace them with Frankel’s friends.
That being said, although the ladies appear to be standing firm in their bid for more money, it doesn’t seem very likely that the show will replace all of them. In fact, all three of the women are already set to be featured in the main storylines this upcoming season, so replacing them would be a tall order for the franchise.
This is especially true with de Lesseps, who already has plans to focus on her new apartment in the city. “Luann’s a wild card,” the source stated. “She’s getting a new apartment in Manhattan and a plotline this season will be her decorating the apartment.”
Elsewhere, the show has moved forward with production of the upcoming season. Along with Frankel, Carole Radziwill and Dorinda Medley have already started filming together, and it was just announced that Kristen Taekman would not be returning for Season 8. Until the other three ladies sign a new contract, there is no telling when they will be incorporated into the production schedule and how their absence will impact the beginning of the new season.
Tell us! Do you think that Bravo will look to Bethenny Frankel and her list of friends if the other ladies do not come to an agreement on their RHONY contracts? Sound off in the comments below.
[Image via Bravo]